Doha: Continuing its long-standing support of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), ExxonMobil Qatar is once again the exclusive sponsor of the 2015 Qatar Gold Sword Race, taking place on Thursday.
This prominent event will see the best local bred Pure Arabians battle for top honours and a chance to earn QR1.5m million - the prize money for the winner.
The event is precursor to blue riband of season, H H The Emir’s Sword.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani owned Assy (Amer-Margouia) was the winner of the ExxonMobil Qatar-sponsored Qatar Gold Sword in 2014.
Then Assy went on to create history by winning H H The Emir’s Sword and becoming the first local bred pure Arabian to complete a glorious double by winning the two coveted events of the season.
The press conference highlighting ExxonMobil’s extended sponsorship of Qatar Gold Sword Race was attended by QREC Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Alistair Routledge and QREC General Manager Sami Jassim Al Boenain.
ExxonMobil Qatar’s ongoing sponsorship of the pivotal race speaks volumes to its commitment to this historically significant element of Qatari heritage, while also emphasising the important role horse racing and equestrian events continue to play today in Qatar.
Routledge said: I am honoured and pleased as we join the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club to announce another edition of the prestigious Qatar Gold Sword Race.
“ExxonMobil Qatar and the Racing and Equestrian Club share a long-term relationship, which is based on mutual respect and understanding, and we are proud to continue our support for the Club and the Qatar Gold Sword Race this year,” he added.
“Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh, and with the efforts of Sami Al Bouainain and the entire management of the Racing and Equestrian Club, the Qatar Gold Sword Race has undoubtedly become one of the most anticipated and prestigious events in Qatar’s sports calendar,” he said.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation to ExxonMobil Qatar.
“ExxonMobil Qatar and QREC share a long and fruitful partnership”, he said.
“We thank ExxonMobil Qatar for its ongoing support for horse racing in Qatar, which serves to strengthen and protect a sport fostered by our forefathers. It is our hope that events like the prestigious Qatar Gold Sword Race further elevate the status of horse racing excellence not only in Qatar, but also throughout the region and around the world.”
ExxonMobil Qatar shares Qatar’s view that elevating the country’s status in the international sports arena helps highlight opportunities for long-term investments in the country and further strengthens Qatar’s role as an international business and investment hub.
Events like H H The Emir’s Sword, Qatar Gold Sword Race, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup all add prominence to Qatar’s position in the global sports arena, enhancing its reputation as a sporting capital of the world.
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